MLSnext 2 and GA moves to school year cutoff from 26-27 season

[Anonymous]

This smells suspicious

MLS Next and MLS Next 2 are on separate age cut-offs????

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This smells suspicious

MLS Next and MLS Next 2 are on separate age cut-offs????

No idea what MLSN is doing, but this makes complete sense when you factor in the different HS regulations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course. My kids got fkkd by thus when it first happened when they were younger. Then were trapped and now it will revert once my last graduates HS.

Same boat. Sucks, doesn't it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This smells suspicious

MLS Next and MLS Next 2 are on separate age cut-offs????

No idea what MLSN is doing, but this makes complete sense when you factor in the different HS regulations.

MLSN is Birth Year
That's what they doing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This smells suspicious

MLS Next and MLS Next 2 are on separate age cut-offs????

No idea what MLSN is doing, but this makes complete sense when you factor in the different HS regulations.

MLSN is Birth Year
That's what they doing

Based on what MLS put out about Next 2 they will follow the same framework- Next 2 will not be misaligned from MLS otherwise they can’t market a development path. . So- this is interesting news from McLean potentially signaling changes for next

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mclean, now MLS next 2 and GA club, sent email about age group update.

Dear MYS Travel families,
We would like to update you on an important change in the age group classification for youth soccer, effective for the 2026-2027 season. This change, mandated by US Soccer, will shift player age groups back to a school-year-based system (September 1-August 31) from the current player birth year system.

Aligning with the school-year calendar is a return to the structure that was previously in place prior to the US Soccer decision in 2016 to move to birth year registration (January 1-December 31). That change was made in an effort to align with international soccer standards but after years of feedback, US Soccer has made the decision to return to the original format. They have also performed an assessment of available data and determined that September 1-August 31 represents most school districts’ calendars across the country.

What This Means for Your Player Now -
For the 2025-2026 season, there will be no change and we will continue with teams based on birth year.

What This COULD Mean for Your Player for 2026-2027 Season -
Age groups in 2026-2027 will be determined by the school calendar year rather than birth year.
This change aims to better align teams with school-age peers and streamline player development.
There will be some team adjustments and some players may shift to a different team than in previous seasons due to the realignment.
Some players may shift into a new age group with players born September-December repeating an age group and playing with younger players than they did in 2025-2026. Note that player’s born before August 31 can not play down in a younger age group.
Players born between January and August will mostly stay in the same group or have minor adjustments.
As we receive additional information from US Soccer, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA), and the leagues we participate in, we will communicate it to membership.

It wasn’t mandated by US Soccer. MYS is confusing US Soccer with USYS…

This applies to U-Littles only

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mclean, now MLS next 2 and GA club, sent email about age group update.

Dear MYS Travel families,
We would like to update you on an important change in the age group classification for youth soccer, effective for the 2026-2027 season. This change, mandated by US Soccer, will shift player age groups back to a school-year-based system (September 1-August 31) from the current player birth year system.

Aligning with the school-year calendar is a return to the structure that was previously in place prior to the US Soccer decision in 2016 to move to birth year registration (January 1-December 31). That change was made in an effort to align with international soccer standards but after years of feedback, US Soccer has made the decision to return to the original format. They have also performed an assessment of available data and determined that September 1-August 31 represents most school districts’ calendars across the country.

What This Means for Your Player Now -
For the 2025-2026 season, there will be no change and we will continue with teams based on birth year.

What This COULD Mean for Your Player for 2026-2027 Season -
Age groups in 2026-2027 will be determined by the school calendar year rather than birth year.
This change aims to better align teams with school-age peers and streamline player development.
There will be some team adjustments and some players may shift to a different team than in previous seasons due to the realignment.
Some players may shift into a new age group with players born September-December repeating an age group and playing with younger players than they did in 2025-2026. Note that player’s born before August 31 can not play down in a younger age group.
Players born between January and August will mostly stay in the same group or have minor adjustments.
As we receive additional information from US Soccer, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA), and the leagues we participate in, we will communicate it to membership.

It wasn’t mandated by US Soccer. MYS is confusing US Soccer with USYS…

This applies to U-Littles only

U-littles and your kid also.

"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the age group system changing?
The change is being implemented by the governing bodies, US Soccer, US Club Soccer and AYSO to align player age groups with the school year, allowing players to stay with their school peers and providing better consistency in youth soccer development.
How will this impact my child's current team placement?
Some players may be moved to a different team due to the new classification system. Our coaches will work to ensure a smooth transition and provide support throughout the process.
Will this change affect the level of competition?
No, the competitive structure will remain intact - MLSN/GA, NAL/Aspire, White/Gold/Silver. Teams will continue to be formed based on skill level and player development needs."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This smells suspicious

MLS Next and MLS Next 2 are on separate age cut-offs????

No idea what MLSN is doing, but this makes complete sense when you factor in the different HS regulations.

MLSN is Birth Year
That's what they doing

Based on what MLS put out about Next 2 they will follow the same framework- Next 2 will not be misaligned from MLS otherwise they can’t market a development path. . So- this is interesting news from McLean potentially signaling changes for next

Anyone verify it's real news or faux news?

[Anonymous]

Either a hint, or overlook. I will interpret it as SY for all, excluding MLS academies

[Anonymous]

MLSN ans MLSN2 will have the same age cutoff. Without a doubt.

[Anonymous]

This year we had the GA/ECNL drama. The SY thing is going to be next spring’s drama. Stay tuned. Youth soccer is more drama outside the field lol.

[Anonymous]

Appreciate a club that gives their parents a heads up of whats to come rather than staying quiet and having to find out via a message board. Kudos

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Appreciate a club that gives their parents a heads up of whats to come rather than staying quiet and having to find out via a message board. Kudos

I can't see a club having this information but the rest of the world doesn't

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Appreciate a club that gives their parents a heads up of whats to come rather than staying quiet and having to find out via a message board. Kudos

I can't see a club having this information but the rest of the world doesn't

So you're thinking its fake? Someone really went out of their way to create a post that big lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Appreciate a club that gives their parents a heads up of whats to come rather than staying quiet and having to find out via a message board. Kudos

I can't see a club having this information but the rest of the world doesn't

So you're thinking its fake? Someone really went out of their way to create a post that big lol

How can only McLean know this?